Tennis stars to play for Haiti earthquake victims

Melbourne, Jan 16 (DPA) Roger Federer is to lead major tennis stars in a Sunday benefit for Haitian earthquake victims, with the world number one saying the idea came to him after seeing the tragedy unfold. “I had the idea that we could do something to help Haiti after the tragic earthquake,” the Swiss player said Saturday.

“So I spoke to some other top players. They all said, ‘Yes, we should do something.’”

The benefit $9.3 per walk-up ticket will be staged in the showcase Rod Laver arena at Melbourne Park a day before the start of the first Grand Slam event of 2010.

“We’re going to play doubles or mixed doubles, also with top women’s players,” said Federer, a record 15-time Grand Slam champion. “I think it’s something as a tennis family we’re very happy to do.”

“I know it’s on the eve of the first Grand Slam of the season, so it’s for some not so easy maybe mentally to separate a few things,” Federer added. “But I think it’s a great initiative.”